SC Co. Throws Cold Water On Plans To Reopen Levi's To Fans

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The state of California gave Santa Clara County the go-ahead to start allowing fans to start trickling into Levi’s Stadium next month.

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s almost immediate response: thanks, but no thanks.

Under the state’s new COVID-19 guidance for outdoor stadiums, the 49ers would have been allowed to fill their 68,500-seat stadium to 20 percent of capacity, meaning about 14,000 fans would have been allowed to attend their next home game Nov. 5 against the Green Bay Packers.

The state’s new guidance for outdoor stadiums came amid an announcement of the loosening of restrictions for counties such as Santa Clara that are in the “orange” tier for moderate risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

But local county guidelines supersede the state’s and the Santa Clara County public health officials swiftly issued a statement shooting down the idea.

“Audiences at professional sporting events will not be allowed anytime soon in Santa Clara County, and theme parks will not resume operation,” the Health Department said in a statement.

“We must all continue to prioritize reducing the spread of COVID-19, creating conditions that will allow our businesses, schools, and other community organizations to operate safely. As we see COVID-19 rates rising in states across the U.S., and as we enter the winter months when risk will increase, we cannot take chances with the health and wellbeing of our community and forfeit the many sacrifices that have been made to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Apparently unaware the county was about to move to keep fans out of Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers issued a statement expressing the organizations eagerness to welcome fans earlier in the day.

“We appreciate Governor Newsom’s leadership and thoughtful approach in creating a framework that allows for a return of fans to Levi’s Stadium and restart the economic activity of the region. We welcome our fans and their support of local businesses and vendor that are critical to our local economy, especially during these difficult times.

“Our organization will continue to collaborate with local public health officials to implement a plan that protects the health and wellness of all San Francisco 49ers and Levi’s Stadium employees, patrons and our community.”